Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2026
The Kedarnath Temple opening date for 2026 has not yet been officially announced.
Traditionally, the temple opens on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, which usually falls in late April or early May.
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026 Latest Update
The Kedarnath Temple opening date for 2026 will be announced on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
Expected Opening Period (Tentative):
Last week of April 2026 or first week of May 2026
The final opening date will be declared after the ceremonial announcement at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, where the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath is located.
Kedarnath Opening Doli Yatra Program (Tentative)
- Day 1: The Panchmukhi Doli of Kedarnath Ji will start its journey from Omkareshwar Temple of Ukhimath. It will reach Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi and will have overnight stay there.
- Day 2: The Kedarnath Doli will reach Phata from Guptkashi. It will stay overnight at Phata.
- Day 3: The Kedarnath Doli will leave for Gaurikund from Phata. It will stay overnight at Gaurikund.
- Day 4 The Doli journey will start from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath Dham via Junglechatti, Bhimbali, Rambada, Lincholi, and Rudra Point.
- Day 5 - Kedarnath Opening Day: The Kedarnath Temple Kapat will be opened for pilgrims in the early hours. The opening will take place amid vedic chants and rituals at 6.20 am.
Kedarnath Closing Date 2026 – Expected Timeline
Expected Closing Period (Tentative):
Late October or early November 2026
After closure, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath for winter worship.
Why Kedarnath Temple Remains Closed in Winter
Kedarnath Temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas.
During winter months Kedarnath Temple is closed due to following reasons:
- Heavy snowfall blocks roads and trekking routes
- Temperatures drop below freezing
- The area becomes inaccessible and unsafe
- Hence, the temple remains closed for nearly 6 months every year.
FAQs – Kedarnath Opening & Closing Dates 2026
Q. Who decides the opening and closing dates of Kedarnath?
A. The dates are announced by the Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) after traditional rituals at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
Q. Is Kedarnath open throughout the year?
A. No. Kedarnath Temple remains open for about 6 months and stays closed during winter due to extreme weather and heavy snowfall.
Q. Can I visit Kedarnath before the official opening date?
A. No. Pilgrims are not allowed to visit or perform darshan before the official opening announcement.
Q. Is Kedarnath open during monsoon?
A. Yes, but travel during July and August is risky due to landslides and heavy rainfall. It is not recommended unless necessary.
Q. What happens to the idol after Kedarnath Temple closes?
A. After closure, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, where worship continues during winter.
